This special event was held on March 2, 2016 to honor the legacy of the late U.S. District Judge Howell Melton, who passed away in December 2015. U.S. Magistrate Judge James Klindt, one of Judge Melton’s former law clerks, presided over the event, which featured presentations about four of Judge Melton’s most significant cases—United States v. Carlos Lehder, Robinson v. Jacksonville Shipyards, United States v. Gaffney, and Parker v. Dugger—from lawyers involved in each case. The Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record article about the luncheon is available online at http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=547167&searchtext=howell%20melton.

We held our annual Spirit of Giving Luncheon on December 11, 2015, at the River Club. Our featured speaker was former First District Court of Appeal Judge William Van Nortwick, member of the Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice. In addition to Judge Van Nortwick\'s remarks, the Court presented Spirit of Giving awards to lawyers who have gone above and beyond in providing service to those in need. The Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record article about the luncheon is available online at http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546656&searchtext=spirit%20of%20giving.

On September 17, 2015, the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association hosted our annual Constitution Day event. This year our CLE program was \"Madison\'s Avenue: The Rough Road to the Bill of Rights\" presented by the Honorable Timothy J. Corrigan, United States District Judge. Over 130 members and guests enjoyed the educational and entertaining program, getting a behind the scenes look at James Madison\'s significant contributions to the creation of the Bill of Rights. At the end of the program, we were treated to special surprise as Judge Corrigan unveiled a long lost bronze plaque of the Bill of Rights from the old courthouse. The plaque will soon be proudly displayed in the current courthouse. The Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record article about the luncheon is available online at: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546163#.

On August 20, 2015, the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association hosted a special luncheon at the Jacksonville Courthouse to honor Judge Schlesinger on the occasion of his fortieth anniversary on the federal bench. Judge Schlesinger\'s wife along with his three daughters, their husbands, three of his grandchildren, and many of his former law clerks from near and far joined the local bench and bar in celebrating Judge Schlesinger\'s many contributions to the court, the community, and the lives of those privileged to work with him. His colleagues and former clerks shared stories, both touching and humorous, and a great time was had by all.

Our March 18, 2015 members’ luncheon featured a panel discussion with several United States Circuit Judges. Participating Eleventh Circuit Judges included the Honorable Gerald B. Tjoflat, the Honorable Charles R. Wilson, the Honorable Peter T. Fay, the Honorable R. Lanier Anderson and the Honorable Susan H. Black. The Honorable Kenneth F. Ripple from the Seventh Circuit and the Honorable Richard L. Voorhees, District Judge from the Western District of North Carolina, both sitting with the Eleventh Circuit that week, joined us as well. The discussion was moderated by the Honorable Patricia D. Barksdale, United States Magistrate Judge.

On January 22, 2015, the Hon. Brian J. Davis shared his impressions of his first year as a United States District Judge, comparing and contrasting with his nineteen years of service as a Circuit Court Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

We held our annual Spirit of Giving Luncheon on December 12, 2014, at the River Club. Our featured speaker was Joseph W. Hatchett, former Chief Judge of the Eleventh Circuit. In addition to Judge Hatchett\'s remarks, the Court presented Spirit of Giving awards to lawyers who have gone above and beyond in providing service to those in need. The Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record article about the luncheon is available online at http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=544498.

At our October 22, 2014 members\' luncheon, we were honored to hear from A. Lee Bentley, III, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. The Hon. Timothy J. Corrigan also gave an update on news from the Middle District of Florida, enlisted Mr. Bentley and Donna Elm, Federal Defender for the Middle District, to help entertain attendees, and swore in the Chapter\'s Officers for the 2014-2015 Chapter year. In addition, the Chapter recognized President Susanne R. Weisman for her exceptional service.

Our February 20, 2014 members\' luncheon featured a conversation with all three of Jacksonville’s active United States District Judges: the Honorable Timothy J. Corrigan, the Honorable Marcia Morales Howard, and the Honorable Brian J. Davis. The panel was moderated by the Honorable Patricia D. Barksdale, United States Magistrate Judge.

At our Veterans Day Luncheon, held on November 7, 2013, Major (P) Kevin C. Frein, Command Judge Advocate for U.S. Forces Garrison Command, gave a powerful presentation entitled “Judge Advocates in a Combat Zone: Leadership By Example.\"

On October 28, 2010, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Jeff Rohrer discussed the role of polygraph examinations in today\'s legal environment. Special Agent Rohrer included a special demonstration of a polygraph examination, with our own Michael Fackler as the \"volunteer\" participant.

The Honorable Joel Toomey became our newest Magistrate Judge in the Jacksonville Division of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida on Friday, September 27, 2010. Our chapter co-hosted the reception that followed the investiture.

On September 17, 2010, the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida’s Open Doors to Courts Program co-hosted a luncheon to celebrate the 223rd anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. Hank Coxe of the Bedell Firm presented a program during which participants were asked to individually choose which five of ten fundamental rights they could not do without, and then to do so in groups of five. The program promoted lively debate and discussion about those rights that we hold most dear. The program was modeled after one spearheaded by Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Fred Lewis.

The Portrait Ceremony for The Honorable Henry Lee Adams, Jr. was held at the U.S. Federal Courthouse on April 9, 2010.

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